Haiti is located in the island of Hispaniola, next to the Dominican Republic in the Greater Antilles archipelago. With a population of 10.85 million, Haiti is the second most populous nation in the Caribbean. Haiti is also the most mountainous island in the Caribbean and is located on the Enriquillo Plantain Garden fault system which leaves it very prone to earthquakes. The island has fallen vistim to two devastating natural disasters in the last decade. The first was the earthquake of 2010 which measured 7.0 and was followed by 52 aftershocks. Then, Hurricane Matthew battered the island in 2016 during which winds of 150mph were measured. Both events destroyed the island’s homes and infrastructure, causing huge damage. Despite the damage caused, Haiti has managed to recover its tourist industry and it is a favourite cruise ship destination. The economy is very dependent on the manufacture of clothing and also agriculture as one of the world’s biggest producers of vetiver which is used in the production of essential oils and perfumes.
Revival of the Broken Nation
As a result of the earthquake and hurricane, the communications infrastructure was badly compromised. The Haitian telecoms sector requires significant improvement overall. Low speed Internet access is available in Port au Prince and other cities through cybercafes. However, outside of the cities, there is much need for improved access. Internet penetration in 2017 stood at 11.9% of the population. The two ISPs on the island are working to improve reach through the installation of fibre optic cables and antennas but fixed line access is low as is access to PCs and computer equipment. Mobile phone growth has been significant across Haiti and the majority of Haitians will use their mobile phones to access the Internet. In 2016, according to Statista, there were 6.5 million cellular subscriptions in Haiti. There has been a notable rise in popularity of certain mobile money apps which give people more freedom with their finances.
Satellite Internet Services on Haiti
Satellite provides a means of helping Haiti to overcome the challenges of connecting its population to the Internet and also other means of communications. BusinessCom Networks provides a range of affordable, satellite-based solutions that can empower Haitians through connectivity. Firstly, BusinessCom can help ISPs that are trying to expand into new areas to do so cost-effectively and rapidly with a highly scalable VSAT network that enables ISPs to provide high-speed connectivity to cybercafes, for example. BusienssCom has a huge amount of experience in helping ISPs with solutions that are tailored to their requirements and that ensure their customers receive the most appropriate bandwidth for their needs.
With the increase in use of mobile phones in Haiti, there is a growing need to build out mobile networks. BusinessCom can offer a turn-key, fully managed solution for rural mobile networks that brings fast Return on investment. This solution delivers SMS, voice and data services and is compatible with all GSM handsets. We also offer mobile operators the opportunity to reach remote locations with no loss of service or quality through our cellular backhaul solution meaning that people can enjoy voice and Internet access no matter where on Haiti they are.
BusinessCom Networks fully understands that affordable connectivity is critical in a country like Haiti. We are committed to delivering solutions that make financial sense, yet deliver the best possible service to our customers.
Key features
Key differentiators of BusinessCom VSAT services in Haiti are:
- Broadband Internet access
- Toll quality VoIP and Videoconferencing with CIR
- Reliable SLA through FDMA and D-TDMA
- Star, Mesh and hybrid Star/Mesh topology networks
- Full support of accelerated VPN, CITRIX, ERM and other business applications
- Highly secure operation with optional AES embedded encryption
- Global C-Band coverage and sub-Sahara Ku-Band
- Landing at top tier redundant IP facilities in Western Europe and United States
- Sentinel-based QoS, bandwidth management and optimization platform